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Venus Williams pulls out of Cincinnati Open due to knee injury

Venus Williams has pulled out of next week's Cincinnati Open after experiencing pain in her knee while practicing last week.

“My medical advisers and physio have recommended that I refrain from competition until I am pain free,” Williams said in a statement released Friday by the event organizers.

“Unfortunately, I am not at a point where I can commit to competing next week.”

Despite losing Williams, the event still boasts eight top 10 players on the WTA Tour and 26 of the Top 30, including defending champion and top seed Jelena Jankovic, defending U.S. Open champion Kim Clijsters, and three-time grand slam champion Maria Sharapova.

The main draw action begins on Monday with the final on Aug. 15. The men's tournament takes place the following week and features Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Roddick.